We are #VegasStronger

Respect, remembrance and reflection: Those were the watchwords when Las Vegans marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of 1 October, 2017. Here are several of the notable events that were held across the Las Vegas Valley, as we reaffirmed that we are #VegasStronger:

Las Vegas Portraits Project 1 October Memorial Exhibit: Unveiled on Sept. 17 as a tribute to those who perished a year ago, Clark County and the Vegas Strong Resiliency Project teamed on this project featuring portraits of the 58 victims. Artists from around the world contributed to the artistic effort. The exhibit will be open through Oct. 19 in the first-floor rotunda gallery of the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. A public reception for the exhibit will be held Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.

Dear Love: A Ceremony of Hope, Healing and Transformation: The Sept. 30 service at the Guardian Angel Cathedral near the Encore Las Vegas was an interfaith display of solidarity.

Marquee tributes: From 11:59 p.m. on Sept 30 to 11:59 p.m. Oct. 1, digital marquees along the Las Vegas Strip displayed a message in honor of the city’s resilience. At 10:01 p.m., marquees on the Strip, as well as the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign went dark in honor of the victims.

Sunrise Remembrance: Fifty-eight white doves, representing the 58 victims, were released into the Las Vegas sky at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater to initiate the events that began at daybreak and lasted into the night. Along with an honor guard, a performance by students from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts and speakers, there was a 58-second moment of silence for the victims.

Memorial Blood Drive: A 12-hour blood drive hosted by Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and reportedly drew nearly 300 donors. Among the donors were Vegas Golden Knights players Deryk Engelland, Cody Eakin, Erik Haula and Oscar Lindberg, as well as officials from the Las Vegas Raiders Foundation.

“Praying for Our City” Remembrance: This event was held on the steps in front of Las Vegas City Hall.

Remembrance Wall Dedication: Gov. Brian Sandoval was among the dignitaries who joined with Las Vegans at downtown’s Healing Garden and Remembrance Wall to celebrate the newly built permanent wall. Replacing the wooden wall that was originally placed shortly after the shootings, the new structure, made of metal siding, features an angel sculpture by artist Bobby Jacobs, bearing the victims’ initials.

Reading of Names Ceremony: At 10:05 p.m., each of the victims’ names was slowly read at the Healing Garden on Casino Center Boulevard by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, as candles were lit and bells chimed. The garden, which opened last October, features 59 trees, representing the 58 victims, plus one standing as the Tree of Life.